March 2017

“God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, Courage to change the things which should be changed, and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.”-Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)

This quote from Theologian Reinhold Niebuhr hung on a wooden plaque in my childhood home. Over a well-used kitchen table upon which my siblings and I learned to read, write in cursive and solve mathematical equations; among other rituals of education including memorizing our scripture verses for Sunday school.  I remember gazing up at these words pondering the meaning in my eight year old heart and mind.  “What does it mean to accept the things that cannot be changed?” decades later, I confess that I am still studying what it means to be patient with God, myself and others.  My Elders use to say “Please be patient with me, God is not finished with me yet.” Learning to differentiate between what you can and can’t control is a sign of Spiritual maturity.  You have a level of control over your commute to work in the morning; however you cannot control nor predict the volume of traffic nor traffic accidents or patterns.  Learning to accept our level of control over events alleviates anxiety and stress.  Instead of stressing out or over reacting to things beyond your control ask yourself what will bring you peace?  Take a deep breath and let go of the outcome of the situation.  We may not be able to change what is happening, however we can change our response, it is the only thing we have control over.  Once you accept that some things are unchangeable, surrender to God’s peace and move on.  May God give you strength, courage and wisdom to move thru life with Grace in the midst of change.

“You must welcome change as the rule but not your ruler”~ Denis E. Waitley

VR/SF
Chaplain Kimberly Cain
LCDR, CHC, USN

February 2017

Greetings NNOA Family,

Welcome to the fabulous month of February!

We have so much to continue being thankful for because of God’s divine presence and Grace.  We often hear this phase “to whom much is given, much is indeed required.” It is taken out of the Gospel of Luke, between two rather important parables.  I love the parables because they teach us truths we can apply to daily living.  Here is a truth for any measure of success we hope to accomplish in life.  When we are blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge, time and energy there is an expectation that we use these things to benefit others.   God ask that we remain faithful over the task our hands are called to do.  We have all been given a specific task to complete while here on this Earth.  Trust God and yourself to find out what your specific task are and get busy sharing with others.  This is why I enjoy being a part of NNOA; it is invigorating for me sharing my talents, time and energy to a worthy mission which espouses our core beliefs of “Honor, Courage and Commitment.”  I am thankful for the rich heritage and diversity we share within the ranks today because of sea service members who paved the way.  This month we honor and celebrate African-American history.  Members of NNOA have  led the charge in breaking down barriers and opening doors which had been historically closed.  We are honored by the sacrifices of those who have gone before us and upon whose shoulders we now stand.  I invite you to get actively involved in your local chapters giving of your sacred talents, time and energy.  We are “Called” to continue the important work of building bridges which support the coalition of diversity within the sea services.  NNOA has its eye focused upon the future while simultaneously honoring our past.  May we always be faithful stewards over what God has entrusted our hands to do.

Rev. Kimberly Cain

January, Happy 2017!

It is our custom to make New Year’s Resolutions at the beginning of another year.  I use the end of the year to evaluate my life thru the lens of relationship.  Generally we carry over unresolved matters of the heart year in and year out hoping for a divine miracle.  We live in a world where being a part of community is vital to every day life.  Ubuntu is a Nguni Bantu term roughly translating to “human Kindness.” It is an idea from the Msusa noted that in Africa we say “I am because we are.”  Theologian Howard Thurman wrote, “There are two questions that we have to ask ourselves. The first is “Where Am I going?” and the second is “Who is going with me?”  If you ever get these questions in the wrong order, you are in trouble.” As the new year begins we also need to ask ourselves these powerful questions-“Where are we going? And  Who is going with us?”, while being  brave enough to resist answering from a place of fear.

A new chapter is about to begin! Are you excited about what lies ahead? Or are you still reeling in the aftershock of things left undone, unsaid in the past?  New ideas, people and places  await  on this magnificent journey.  I invite you to trade in your New Year’s Resolutions for Yearly Aspirations – feel the difference?  An Aspiration is a “calling” which requires inspiration, a hope, desire or dream. Giving birth to a dream requires radical transformation which is an inside out job.  Authentic transformation begins in the heart and mind with our thoughts. Thought lead to action, action lead to behavior and behavior if left unchecked becomes a habit.  Our yearly habit is to create New Year’s Resolutions that by month’s end are not sustained because we are not inspired towards permanent change.

Finally, I encourage you to seek healing and restoration for unforgiveness due to offense.  As a Pastor, I’ve personally experienced offense and sadly have harbored unforgiveness because of deep wounds of betrayal.  Let this not be said among such great fellowship and love.  Forgiveness is a choice, you can either withhold the power of forgiveness or chose to release it.  True forgiveness is a life work which releases you from a psychological prison and restores the path towards freedom.  Living trapped by offense and unforgiveness drains you of life’s sweetness and the goodness of God.  “The ultimate proof of total forgiveness takes place when we sincerely petition the Father to let those who have hurt us off the hook and even ask God to bless them.”— R.T. Kendall

Prayer Thread:  Dear God,  please release past offense experienced in 2016 and even prior years.  I desire total healing and your sweet peace, so that I may be in right fellowship within my community.  God please forgive me as I forgive others. Empower me to walk in freedom thru forgiveness in 2017. and beyond. AMEN!

Chaplain Kimberly Cain

Christmas 2016

“Glory to God in the highest and on Earth, Peace, Good will toward men.”

– Luke 2:14

“If, as Herod, we fill our lives with things, and again with things; if we consider ourselves so unimportant that we must fill every moment of our lives with action, when will we have the time to make the long, slow journey across, the desert as did the Magi?  Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds? Or brood over the coming of the child as did Mary? For each one of us, there is a desert to travel, a star to discover and a being within ourselves to bring to life.”

                                                                                      -AUTHOR UNKNOWN

At this festive time of the year, it is very easy to become caught up in the commercial versions of Christmas.  For many Christmas is the most sacred day in the calendar year! A time to reflect and give thanks for the many blessings God has given.  I invite you to honor your authentic experiences during this season and take time to be with family and friends counting your blessings.  Make memories that honor the season of sharing and showing each other kindness, gentleness and love.  The greatest gift we can share is the gift of charity towards one another. Have a safe and memorable Christmas Holy Day!

Rev. Kimberly Cain

December 2016
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” –PSALM 94:19

It is hard to believe that we are already in the month of December! But here we are almost at the birth of a new and exciting year. As you make your holiday preparations and coordinate travel plans to visit loved ones, remember to focus on the “JOY” of this season. For some the holidays can be a very difficult time of the year for many reasons. Perhaps you have experienced the loss of a dear friend or loved one, or experiencing a difficult time due to some unforeseen changes in your life. Keep the true meaning of the season burning bright within your heart, and focus on things you have instead of the things you do not have or may not have been able to accomplish just yet. Falling into the trap of anxiety and stress to please others often lead us to unpleasant feelings of anger and resentment because we are focused on pleasing others instead of honoring the meaning of the season which brings radical joy and peace. Enjoy the peace and joy of the weeks to come, for they are gifts from above!

God’s Peace,

Chaplain Cain